--- title: "Best Succession Planning Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best Succession Planning Software for your organization. Compare top Succession Planning Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/succession-planning-comparison/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Succession Planning Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Succession Planning Software of 2026 Updated November 9, 2026 ## Succession Planning FAQs Software Advice advisors had 12 conversations with buyers about Succession Planning software between January 2025 and July 2026. These are the questions that came up most. - How do I choose the right Succession Planning software for my business? Choosing the right succession planning software comes down to matching the system’s planning, tracking, and talent development tools to the organization’s needs, a common theme in these conversations is the need for clear support of both identifying and developing internal successors. Buyers frequently mention prioritizing systems that are easy for staff to use, integrate with existing HR tools, and allow cloud-based access for flexibility. Many look for options that balance cost against must-have features, with most teams encountering monthly per-user pricing and seeking systems that can grow with the business. - What is the best Succession Planning software for a small to mid-size company? There is no single succession planning software that fits every small or midsize company. When speaking with our advisors, buyers in this size range frequently mention overall dissatisfaction with options they have tried, so it is common for them to seek a system that is simple for staff to use and addresses gaps they have experienced in the past. Buyers often want software that can adapt as the company grows, without requiring a major switch later. Answer based on 5 advisor calls - What should businesses watch out for when choosing Succession Planning software? When selecting a succession planning tool, teams often weigh whether it truly supports both tracking and developing internal talent for future leadership or key roles, based on patterns in advisor calls. Nearly all buyers in these conversations focus on cloud-based (Software as a Service, or SaaS) options, suggesting that deployment flexibility and remote access are common requirements across industries and company sizes. Answer based on 10 advisor calls - What are common complaints about Succession Planning software? A common complaint buyers we've talked to share is overall dissatisfaction with their current succession planning system. This frustration often comes up in advisor conversations as teams look for tools that better fit their needs or are easier to use. Answer based on 7 advisor calls - What is the difference between Succession Planning software and a full HRIS? Succession Planning software focuses on tracking and developing internal talent specifically to fill future key positions, while buyers frequently tell our advisors that full human resources information systems (HRIS) cover a much broader range of needs, including payroll, time and attendance, benefits, onboarding, and applicant tracking. Buyers often say that HRIS options are designed to centralize employee data and handle day-to-day HR tasks, whereas succession planning tools address long-term talent development and leadership continuity. Many buyers describe a trade-off: HRIS platforms may help with overall workforce management but do not offer the dedicated planning and tracking features needed for in-depth succession planning. Answer based on 10 advisor calls - How much does Succession Planning software cost? Most teams the buyers our advisors talk to are quoted a per-user monthly price for succession planning tools, with a median of $8 per user. Buyers commonly see options between $5 and $8 per user per month. Pricing questions often come up early, and a common sticking point is finding the right balance between cost and necessary features. Answer based on 9 advisor calls - What features should Succession Planning software include? Based on advisor calls, the features buyers most often prioritize in succession planning software are tools for planning, tracking, and developing internal talent for future key positions. Systems that help identify potential successors and monitor their progress toward readiness are a common request during these conversations. Answer based on 6 advisor calls - What is Succession Planning software and what does it do? Succession Planning software helps organizations identify and prepare employees to fill key roles in the future. Advisor-call conversations show that buyers often look for tools that let them plan, track, and develop internal talent so they are ready when leadership or critical positions need to be filled. The software can also connect with other human resources (HR) systems, like talent management or performance appraisal tools, to avoid duplicate data entry and keep employee information up to date. Answer based on 6 advisor calls On this page 1. Popular Comparisons 2. Buyers Guide 3. Frequently Asked Questions 4. Related Software Filter products 83 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 83 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [Paycom](/hr/paycom-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 1,400 - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Paycom is a leading provider of human capital management software that helps organizations automate routine decisions and workflows. Through built-in decisioning logic and [Read more](/hr/paycom-profile/) ##### What users love - User-friendly and intuitive platform - Integrated payroll and HR management - Self-service and centralized data ##### To take in mind - Inconsistent and slow support experience - Clunky and unintuitive navigation - Complex and tedious setup processes #### Features ##### Best rated features - Electronic Signature: 5/5 - Task Scheduling: 5/5 - Payroll Entry: 5/5 - Accounting Integration: 5/5 [See all features](/hr/paycom-profile/#key-features) --- ### [UKG Ready](/product/419228-UKG-Ready/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 1,153 - Best for: Enterprise businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview UKG Ready® is a cloud-based human capital management (HCM), payroll, and workforce management suite with people-first AI for small and midsize organizations with 0-1,500 up to [Read more](/product/419228-UKG-Ready/) ##### What users love - Centralized payroll and HR management - User-friendly and intuitive interface - Comprehensive workforce management suite ##### To take in mind - Limited and complex reporting tools - Cumbersome and manual process workflows - Slow and unresponsive customer service #### Features ##### Best rated features - Shift Scheduling: 5/5 - Employee Self Service: 5/5 - Electronic Signature: 5/5 - Online Scheduling: 5/5 [See all features](/product/419228-UKG-Ready/#key-features) --- ### [Mitratech Perform](/hr/trakstar-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 287 - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Mitratech Perform is a performance management platform that helps organizations run fair, consistent, and engaging reviews. It simplifies evaluations, feedback, and goal tracking [Read more](/hr/trakstar-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Employee Database: 5/5 - Employee Recognition: 5/5 - Succession Planning: 5/5 - Employee Scheduling: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Training Management: 1/5 - Question Library: 2/5 - Performance Metrics: 2/5 [See all features](/hr/trakstar-profile/#key-features) --- ### [UKG Pro](/hr/ukg-pro-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 733 - Best for: Popular - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview UKG Pro Human Capital Management (HCM) software is a workforce management solution designed to align people strategy with business goals. It serves various industries such as [Read more](/hr/ukg-pro-profile/) ##### What users love - Comprehensive payroll management tools - Centralized employee data access - User-friendly and intuitive experience ##### To take in mind - Feature limitations and complexity - Cumbersome and confusing navigation - Unintuitive and outdated interface #### Features ##### Best rated features - Goal Management: 5/5 - Variable Workforce: 5/5 - API: 5/5 - Learning Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Recruitment Management: 2.9/5 - Wage Garnishment: 3/5 - Data Visualization: 3/5 [See all features](/hr/ukg-pro-profile/#key-features) --- ### [MentorcliQ](/hr/mentorcliq-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 201 - Starting price: $9,900.00/year - Best for: Mentoring Program Management - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview MentorcliQ is an employee mentoring solution designed to help organizations create, manage and measure mentoring programs. It is used by enterprises across industries such as [Read more](/hr/mentorcliq-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 - Program Impact: 5/5 - Analytics: 5/5 - Activity Dashboard: 4.9/5 [See all features](/hr/mentorcliq-profile/#key-features) --- ### [PerformYard](/hr/performyard-talent-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 188 - Starting price: $5.00/month - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview PerformYard is an AI-powered performance management and talent development platform built for HR teams that want flexibility without complexity. One platform brings performance [Read more](/hr/performyard-talent-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Commenting/Notes: 5/5 - Single Sign On: 5/5 - Progress Tracking: 5/5 - Performance Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Employee Engagement: 2/5 - Workflow Automation: 3/5 - Employee Management: 3.8/5 [See all features](/hr/performyard-talent-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Teamflect](/hr/teamflect-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 143 - Starting price: $0.00/month - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Teamflect is the all-in-one performance management platform built natively inside Microsoft Teams and Outlook, helping organizations from startups to global enterprises align [Read more](/hr/teamflect-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Real-Time Updates: 5/5 - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - Performance Management: 5/5 - Negative Feedback Management: 5/5 [See all features](/hr/teamflect-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Starter - Price: $0.00/month - Everything you need to get started with performance management. * Maximum 10 users. ##### Essential - Price: $7.00/month - For companies with more than 10 employees, this plan offers all your essential performance ##### Professional - Price: $11.00/month - Advanced tools for talent management, employee development, and internal communication. [See full pricing details](/hr/teamflect-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [TalentGuard](/lms/talentguard-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 4 - Starting price: $25,000.00/year - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview TalentGuard is an AI-powered talent management platform that helps HR teams build trustworthy, skills-based data and turn it into confident people decisions. At its core, [Read more](/lms/talentguard-profile/) --- ### [Ingentis org.manager](/hr/ingentis-org-manager-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 78 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Ingentis org.manager is the integrated platform for Organizational Performance. It helps organizations optimally align structures, workforce, and decision-making processes in a [Read more](/hr/ingentis-org-manager-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Real-Time Updates: 5/5 - Modeling & Simulation: 5/5 - Internal Talent Mobility: 5/5 - Dashboard: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Customizable Reports: 3.7/5 - Templates: 3.8/5 - API: 4/5 [See all features](/hr/ingentis-org-manager-profile/#key-features) --- ### [ClayHR](/hr/bizmerlin-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 99 - Starting price: $6.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ClayHR is a comprehensive cloud-based human resource management solution that helps mid to large enterprises manage the entire employee lifecycle, from onboarding to comprehensive [Read more](/hr/bizmerlin-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Data Security: 5/5 - Manager-to-Employee Recognition: 5/5 - Organizational Charting: 5/5 - Surveys & Feedback: 5/5 [See all features](/hr/bizmerlin-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Professional - Price: $6.00/month - Best for organizations with 100-500 employees ##### Enterprise - Price: $8.00/month - Best for organizations with 500-2500 employees [See full pricing details](/hr/bizmerlin-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Quantum Workplace](/hr/quantum-workplace-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 162 - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Quantum Workplace is a connected talent management platform that helps organizations create thriving teams—by improving employee engagement and employee performance. The platform [Read more](/hr/quantum-workplace-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Dashboard: 5/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 5/5 - Succession Planning: 5/5 - Performance Metrics: 5/5 [See all features](/hr/quantum-workplace-profile/#key-features) --- ### [BullseyeEngagement](/hr/bullseye-evaluation-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 47 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview BullseyeEngagement is a Human Capital Development and Talent Intelligence platform that helps organizations turn people insights into measurable action. The platform brings [Read more](/hr/bullseye-evaluation-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Succession Planning: 5/5 - Training Management: 5/5 - Compensation Management: 5/5 - 360 Degree Feedback: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Individual Development Plans: 4/5 - Customizable Templates: 4/5 [See all features](/hr/bullseye-evaluation-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Rankmi](/product/433279-Rankmi/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 22 - Starting price: $2.50/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Rankmi helps organizations manage their people in a simpler, more connected, and more strategic way by centralizing employee information and core HR processes on a single platform. [Read more](/product/433279-Rankmi/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Activity Tracking: 5/5 - Real-Time Notifications: 5/5 - Approval Process Control: 5/5 - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 [See all features](/product/433279-Rankmi/#key-features) --- ### [OrgChart](/org-chart/orgchart-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 25 - Starting price: $105.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview OrgChart is a cloud-based and on-premise solution designed to help organizations in any industry manage operations for workforce planning and organizational charting. It allows [Read more](/org-chart/orgchart-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Compliance Management: 5/5 - Payroll Management: 5/5 - Performance Management: 5/5 - Succession Planning: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Employee Photos: 3.5/5 - Collaboration Tools: 3.7/5 - Version Control: 3.8/5 [See all features](/org-chart/orgchart-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Core - Price: $105.00/month - Increase visibility into your organization with automated org charts. - Unlimited automated, ##### Plus - Price: $188.00/month - Deepen insight into your organization with powerful chart tools and analytics. Everything in Core ##### Pro - Price: $263.00/month - Drive strategic change with advanced workforce planning and security features. Everything in Plus [See full pricing details](/org-chart/orgchart-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Nakisa Workforce Planning](/org-chart/nakisa-hanelly-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 8 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview Nakisa Workforce Planning (previously HR Suite) is cloud-native software for workforce planning, organizational design, org charting, and HR analytics. Built for 5000+ employee [Read more](/org-chart/nakisa-hanelly-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Employee Database: 5/5 - Dashboard: 5/5 - Succession Planning: 5/5 - Employee Profiles: 4.5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Org Chart Creation: 4/5 [See all features](/org-chart/nakisa-hanelly-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/org-chart/nakisa-hanelly-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Beamery](/hr/beamery-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 13 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Beamery's mission is to put talent transformation at the heart of every business. Our Talent Operating System (TOS) lets companies attract, engage, and retain the best talent - [Read more](/hr/beamery-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Contact Management: 5/5 - Email Marketing: 5/5 - Task Management: 5/5 - Candidate Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Talent Acquisition: 4/5 - Recruitment Management: 4/5 [See all features](/hr/beamery-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Sage People](/hr/sage-people-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 39 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Sage People is a human resources information system (HRIS) software. It helps organizations manage their workforce, regardless of employee location or work arrangement. The [Read more](/hr/sage-people-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Candidate Management: 5/5 - Customizable Reports: 5/5 - Applicant Tracking: 5/5 - Candidate Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Sick Leave Tracking: 2/5 - Goal Setting/Tracking: 2/5 - Vacation/Leave Tracking: 3/5 [See all features](/hr/sage-people-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/hr/sage-people-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Cegid HR](/psa/cegid-talentsoft-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 69 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Cegid Talentsoft is an HR software designed to help businesses manage recruitment, employee profiles, learning and development, compensation, benefits and performances. The [Read more](/psa/cegid-talentsoft-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Onboarding: 5/5 - Compensation Management: 5/5 - Individual Development Plans: 5/5 - Applicant Tracking: 4.3/5 ##### Worst rated features - Blended Learning: 1/5 - Job Requisition: 1/5 - Resume Parsing: 2/5 - Goal Setting/Tracking: 3/5 [See all features](/psa/cegid-talentsoft-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/psa/cegid-talentsoft-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Dayforce](/product/4592-Dayforce-HCM/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 1,065 - Best for: Mid-size businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Dayforce is an AI-powered people platform, delivering simplicity at scale with a full-suite HCM solution. Designed as a single, unified platform, Dayforce provides HR, payroll, [Read more](/product/4592-Dayforce-HCM/) ##### What users love - Centralized payroll and HR management - Comprehensive employee lifecycle tools - Intuitive and user-friendly design ##### To take in mind - Slow and inconsistent customer support - Complex and limited reporting features - Challenging and inconsistent implementation process #### Features ##### Best rated features - Approval Process Control: 5/5 - Document Storage: 5/5 - Labor Forecasting: 5/5 - Course Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Clock In/Out: 2/5 - Learning & Development: 2.5/5 - Candidate Profiles: 2.7/5 [See all features](/product/4592-Dayforce-HCM/#key-features) --- ### [Built](/hr/built-for-teams-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 608 - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview With functionality for employee recordkeeping, PTO tracking, recruiting, and more, Built for Teams offers a web-based HR platform that is ideal for small to mid-sized companies in [Read more](/hr/built-for-teams-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Drag & Drop: 5/5 - Budgeting/Forecasting: 5/5 - Candidate Management: 4.5/5 - Org Chart Creation: 4.4/5 ##### Worst rated features - API: 3/5 - Publishing/Sharing: 3/5 - Version Control: 4/5 [See all features](/hr/built-for-teams-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Customizable Pricing Plans - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/hr/built-for-teams-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Prosper](/hr/prosper-ex-profile/) - Overall rating: 5.0/5 - Reviews: 20 - Starting price: A$3.50/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Designed for businesses of all sizes, Prosper EX is a cloud-based solution that helps executives map employee skills, monitor task performance, manage workforce planning, and more [Read more](/hr/prosper-ex-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Manager-to-Employee Recognition: 5/5 - Performance Management: 5/5 - Progress Tracking: 5/5 - Performance Review Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Employee Recognition: 4/5 [See all features](/hr/prosper-ex-profile/#key-features) --- ### [PerFit-HR](/hr/perfit-hr-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 25 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview PerFit-HR is a cloud-based HR software that understands human language, identifies intent, and generates intelligent data. It allows businesses to post jobs on top job boards and [Read more](/hr/perfit-hr-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Onboarding: 5/5 - Competency Management: 5/5 - Employee Management: 5/5 - Recruitment Management: 4.9/5 ##### Worst rated features - Goal Setting/Tracking: 3/5 - Individual Development Plans: 4/5 - Email Templates: 4/5 - Workflow Management: 4/5 [See all features](/hr/perfit-hr-profile/#key-features) --- ### [SuccessionHR](/hr/successionhr-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 18 - Starting price: $6,345.00/year - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview SuccessionHR is the first HR software focused on Succession Planning for top employers. No more countless hours wasted on Excel and PowerPoints: - Get rid of those messy Excel [Read more](/hr/successionhr-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Assessment Management: 5/5 - Succession Planning: 4.8/5 - Competency Management: 4.8/5 - Succession Management: 4.7/5 [See all features](/hr/successionhr-profile/#key-features) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/succession-planning-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/succession-planning-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/succession-planning-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4) ## Popular Comparisons [ Paycom vs UKG Ready ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/32588-paycom/vs/419228-UKG-Ready/)[ UKG Pro vs Mitratech Perform ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/trakstar-profile/vs/ukg-pro/)[ Quantum Workplace vs BullseyeEngagement ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/bullseye-evaluation-profile/vs/quantum-workplace/) ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. No business wants to lose its best employees. When employees retire or quit, it creates a workflow imbalance, resulting in lower productivity until their replacement is found. While this may not impact large businesses as much, small businesses like yours bear the brunt of it the most. For that reason, you need to plan ahead to minimize this productivity loss and ensure stability in the structure and processes, despite attrition. You can do this by identifying valuable skill sets or potential in the current workforce to replace outgoing employees. **The process of identifying, nurturing and retaining employees for future roles is known as succession planning.** With the help of a succession planning tool, HR teams can aggregate vital data about employee performance, potential and development. This data can help them make decisions about how to replace outgoing executives and high-value employees. But it's not always easy to find the right succession planning software on your own. You need a detailed understanding of the software features. Fully realizing the benefits of these features will help you purchase the right software. This guide will help you understand succession planning software, its features and benefits. Here's what we'll cover: [What Is Succession Planning Software?](#WhatIsSuccessionPlanningSoftware) [Common Features of Succession Planning Software](#CommonFeaturesofSuccessionPlanningSoftware) [What Type of Buyer Are You?](#WhatTypeofBuyerAreYou) [Benefits of Succession Planning Software](#BenefitsofSuccessionPlanningSoftware) [Key Considerations](#KeyConsiderations) ## What Is Succession Planning Software? Succession planning software helps HR managers make decisions about how to replace employees who are retiring or resigning. For business continuity, it's crucial to fill these employment gaps as quickly as possible. The software helps in the following ways: - Defines the competencies required to undertake the required roles. - Identifies employees who have the potential to fill a given role. - Assesses employees against set criteria. - Trains employees to move into new roles by primarily leveraging the right experiences. - Builds a database that can be used to make future staffing decisions for key roles. _Succession planning in EmployeeConnect (_[Source](https://www.employeeconnect.com/succession/)_)_ ## Common Features of Succession Planning Software In this section, we cover the key software features that a buyer should be aware of before they purchase a solution. Most small businesses will need some (or all) of these features in their succession planning software: | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | Competency modelling | Provides a framework of the skills, knowledge, ethics and values that are required for different departments and functional areas. | | Talent pools | Uses a talent database to help users locate the desired and most suitable talent for given roles. The feature lists the employees according to their capabilities and competency levels. | | Goal management | Allows users to create and assign employee goals that are aligned with the larger business objectives. Managers can track the status of employee goals and provide their feedback in real time. | | 360-degree feedback | Lets you collect employee performance feedback from peers, supervisors, line managers and other stakeholders, and store it in a centralized database. | | Reporting and analytics | Helps users create employee performance reports based on the 360-degree feedback. These reports can help you identify performance trends, list the issues and make decisions regarding workforce planning. | | Training management | Lets users evaluate employee feedback evaluation reports to identify employees' key strengths and weaknesses. Based on these reports, managers can develop personalized training development plans for their employees. | --- ## What Type of Buyer Are You? Before you start shortlisting vendor options for succession planning software, you need to understand your buyer type. This will help you analyze your requirements and prioritize software features into "must-have" and "optional" for your business. This section breaks down the most common buyer types. Here are the two main categories of buyers: **Small and midsize businesses (SMBs):** They typically operate with a few resources and employees on tight budgets. Succession planning software can help them better manage their resources and employees, avoid disruptions in the workflow and sustain the business for a longer duration of time. The main features that these buyers need in a succession planning tool are goal management, talent pool and training management. **Large businesses:** They operate in a complex hierarchy, with employees spread across different locations. Large businesses significantly benefit from a talented workforce that is keen to take on leadership roles in the future. They need a comprehensive approach to ensure that future leaders have the essential industry expertise. Succession planning software should help their talent climb up the career ladder. The primary features they will need are competency modelling and training management. ## Benefits of Succession Planning Software Here are some of the benefits of using succession planning tools in your business: **Centralized database to store, track employee data:** Storing employee data in a central database allows HR managers to view, edit or update employee information easily. It also lets them pull talent metrics from the database for different jobs and filter employees based on location, skills, role and other criteria. **Periodic performance evaluations:** Succession planning software allows HR managers to evaluate employees on a regular basis (weekly, monthly or yearly). The feedback helps managers identify the top talent in the organization. **Identification of skill gaps:** By mapping employee skills to desired competencies, HR managers can identify employees' key strengths and weaknesses. They can then provide leadership training to the top performers and personalized training or individual development plans for those who lack the desired skills. **Business continuity:** Irrespective of their size or industry, all businesses need succession plans to prepare for sudden resignations and terminations. [Thirty-five percent of businesses have a structured succession planning process](https://www.td.org/insights/succession-planning-is-your-organization-prepared) and 34 percent verified that their succession planning was highly effective. The top reasons to implement succession planning in their business are to identify and prepare future leaders (89 percent) and ensure business continuity (72 percent). ## Key Considerations Picture this: You find a succession planning solution that has all the relevant features, but lacks the option for integration. This could hamper your business in the future. Unfortunately, such instances aren't uncommon and require a thorough check before purchasing a solution. Here are some things you should keep in mind: **Support services:** Before you start assessing succession planning tools, consider your employees and the type of support (email, phone or chat) they would prefer. In case, a support option isn't available, check if the vendor provides support forums and discussion boards to help employees resolve their queries. **Speed of implementation:** The implementation time will depend on the type of software you choose—an integrated system or standalone software. Integrated tools require a significant investment of time and resources compared with standalone ones. Check with the vendor about the time it'll take to implement the tool and train users. **Data transfer services:** When migrating from a legacy system, businesses need to transfer the data to the new system. Most vendors include a data transfer option in the software license cost, while others charge extra for it. If data transfer services aren't included, you may need to hire a third party, which would further increase your budget. **Scalability:** Choose a tool that is scalable in terms of the number of licenses or users. This will help you prepare for future growth as you will be able to add new users as and when needed. You should also ensure that there aren't any hidden costs or fees before you purchase a solution. ### Related Succession Planning Software - [360 Degree Feedback Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/360-degree-feedback-comparison/) - [Career Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/career-management/) - [Digital Adoption Platform Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/digital-adoption-platform/) - [Employee Monitoring Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/employee-monitoring/) - [HR Analytics Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/hr-analytics-comparison/) - [Job Evaluation Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/job-evaluation/) - [Mentoring Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/mentoring/) - [OKR Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/okr-comparison/) - [Performance Management System Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/performance-review-software-comparison/) - [Talent Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/talent-management-software-comparison/)